CHIEF of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Tuesday met Sri Lanka’s top military leaders and exchanged views on several matters of bilateral importance, while recalling the long-standing friendship between the two countries, amid China’s growing influence in the island nation.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari, who arrived here on Monday on a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka, called on the Commander of the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF), Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana at Air Force Headquarters here.

As part of India’s commitment towards capacity-building of Sri Lanka Armed Forces, Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force presented AN-32 propellers to ensure high operational readiness of the aircraft held with Sri Lanka Air Force. “Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari #CAS @IAF_MCC donated AN-32 propellers to Commander @airforcelk at Katunayake Air Base on behalf of Government of India. Highlights India’s resolute commitment towards capacity building of SriLanka Armed Forces,” the Indian High Commission in Colombo tweeted.

The Chief of the Air Staff is visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of Air Marshal Pathirana. He was received upon arrival by the Commanding Officer SLAF Station Colombo, Air Commodore Suresh Fernando, and was presented a Guard of Honour which was conferred by the Colour Squadron of the SLAF, Sri Lanka’s News 1st channel reported. He also met with the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Navy Headquarters, Colombo.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari also met Major General Senarath Yapa, Commandant National Defence College, Sri Lanka and delivered a talk on the transformation of the Indian Air Force to senior Sri Lankan Armed Forces officers attending the College, it added.

He also gifted books worth 10 million Sri Lankan Rs to the prestigious college. During the discussions, the two sides exchanged views on several matters of bilateral importance, whilst recalling the long-standing friendship between the two countries. After his arrival here on Monday, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari sought the blessings of Lord Buddha at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. The visit will enhance the existing professional ties and bonds of mutual cooperation between both nations, an official statement said.